Kumar declared Bihar a dry state in April and insisted that the liquor ban has vastly improved life in the rural areas. However, there have been hooch deaths in Bihar after the ban, which Kumar has dismissed as isolated incidents and not failure of prohibition.

The controversial Bihar Prohibition and Excise Bill 2016 was passed by Bihar Governor Ram Nathan Kovind earlier this month. Under its provision, all adult members of a family could be arrested if a bottle of liquor is found in their house, sparking fears that it would become a tool for harassment in the hands of the powerful.

Kumar's advice has predictably prompted sharp reactions from people who take both their juice and alcohol seriously.

@ANI_news Now pls ban non veg..and if anyone oppose tell them to turn off the light and eat mooli it taste same like chicken lollypop.